As college graduates across the country prepare to enter the workforce and begin life after campus, consumer advocates are warning that scammers are increasingly targeting young adults during one of the biggest transitions of their lives.

From fake student loan forgiveness offers to fraudulent job postings and rental scams, experts say recent graduates are especially vulnerable as they navigate unfamiliar financial and personal responsibilities for the first time.

Graduation season often brings major life changes, including moving to a new city, searching for a job, signing a lease and preparing to repay student loans. Scammers frequently use those milestones to exploit graduates through schemes designed to steal money, banking information and personal data.

One of the most common scams involves fake student loan forgiveness or debt relief programs. Graduates may receive unsolicited emails, phone calls or text messages claiming they qualify for lower monthly payments or loan forgiveness programs. In many cases, scammers ask victims to pay fees or provide sensitive personal information in exchange for assistance.

Consumer experts say graduates should understand the details of their student loans before responding to unsolicited offers. Knowing repayment timelines, interest rates and loan services can help borrowers identify suspicious claims. Most federal student loan borrowers are not required to begin making payments until six months after graduation.

Scammers also may contact graduates or their parents claiming unpaid tuition balances remain outstanding and threatening that degrees could be revoked if payment is not made immediately. Fraudsters often pressure victims to send money through wire transfers, prepaid debit cards or other difficult-to-trace payment methods.

Experts advise graduates to independently verify any financial claims by contacting their school directly through official phone numbers or websites rather than responding to unsolicited messages.

Job scams are another growing concern for recent graduates entering the workforce. Fraudulent postings often advertise high-paying remote positions with minimal experience requirements. After brief interviews, scammers may ask applicants for bank account information, Social Security numbers or upfront payments for training materials or office equipment.

In some cases, victims receive fake checks for more money than expected and are instructed to return the excess funds before the check is discovered to be fraudulent.

Consumer advocates recommend researching unfamiliar companies before applying for positions or participating in interviews. Legitimate employers typically maintain professional websites and list available openings through official channels.

Graduates searching for housing also are being urged to remain cautious. Rental scammers frequently steal photos and descriptions from legitimate property listings before re-posting them online at unusually low prices to attract victims. Prospective renters may then be asked to send deposits or first month’s rent payments for properties they have never seen in person.

Experts recommend comparing rental prices in the area, touring properties before signing leases and avoiding payments to individuals who cannot verify ownership or access to the property.

Moving scams also become more common during the busy spring and summer moving season. Some fraudulent movers demand large deposits upfront before failing to appear on moving day, while others add hidden fees or hold belongings hostage until additional payments are made.

Scammers also take advantage of graduation celebrations by sending messages offering free gifts, scholarships or exclusive discounts through email, text messages and social media. Many of the offers contain phishing links designed to steal passwords or financial information.

Consumer advocates encourage graduates to slow down before making financial decisions and to be skeptical of unsolicited offers that create a sense of urgency. Experts say verifying information independently and consulting trusted family members or friends can help young adults avoid becoming victims during a major life transition.